The season wore on, and "Friday Night Lights,'' a critical hit, was praised as a splendid depiction of small-town Texas life where high school football is king.

At the end of last season, "Friday Night Lights'' won the prestigious Peabody Award (whose judges had been able to watch the show on DVDs, so they didn't have to track it down on the schedule). Ratings still weren't good.

Even so, NBC renewed the series for another year. Better yet, it slotted "Friday Night Lights'' on Friday nights. And that is where "Friday Night Lights'' can be found this Friday at 9 p.m. with its second-season premiere.

As summer comes to an end in Dillon, Texas, all thoughts are on the upcoming football season for the defending state champ Panthers. Meanwhile, the coach who guided the team to that championship, Eric Taylor (the superb Kyle Chandler), is starting his new job at a college out of town, which separates him from his family just as wife Tami (Connie Britton) goes into labor with their second child.

There's a lot of action, feelings and good-looking young people on "Friday Night Lights,'' but there's a dose of truth, as well. Maybe that was putting off some viewers last year.

Or maybe they just couldn't find the show.

Now they can. (It's right in the title.) And, with any luck, they will.

Other shows to look out for:

There isn't a funnier show on the air than "30 Rock.'' Even Emmy judges (who seem to make most choices throwing darts with their eyes closed) made the right decision this year, naming "30 Rock'' the year's outstanding comedy series.

Now Bravo is giving latecomers a chance to catch up, with a mini-marathon of this comedy about a beleaguered variety show producer (Tina Fey) who's forever butting heads with her ever-meddling network exec (Alec Baldwin).

Six episodes from last season air today from 1 to 4 p.m. It's the perfect warmup to the show's second season premiere, 8:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC, with Jerry Seinfeld as guest star.

Starting to feel spooked that you won't be ready for your Halloween observances in time for the big night? DIY network wants to calm your fears. Starting Monday at the stroke of, um, noon, the daily "Witching Hour'' will help you get a head start on costumes, decorating and party ideas.

This ghoulish initiative begins with a five-part series, "Witch Crafts,'' with co-hosts Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza providing instruction on costume-making for both adults and children. There will also be how-to tips on party-giving. (Hot glue spider webs and decorative tombstones, anyone?)

"Artland'' is back for a second season of showing how American art just might be the most freewheeling, vital and diverse on the planet.

On 12 one-hour episodes, the series journeys from Miami to Anchorage to capture not only unusual art but also the experiences that accompany this "art road trip.'' Destinations include major hubs as well as remote outposts - like the tiny Texas town called Art.

Along the way, hosts Mame McCutchin and Toby Amies interview collectors, curators, academics and art-loving locals in many of the 50-odd destinations.